The Devil's Origin

2: The First Monster.

<<By the way, this is the castle that will be your base of operations now that you are the Devil.>>

The System whispers in my mind.

What? This worn-out hovel that's only as big as three tatami mats? Really?

<<The castle is connected to you. The stronger you are, the bigger it will be.>>

I see... I'm still level 5 so I'm stuck with an old wreck like this. Then, what's this pool?

<<This pool is the Fountain of Life, the heart of the Devil's Castle. As the castle grows, it would be best for you to keep this well-protected.>>

It seems that I should cherish this Fountain of Life. I want to raise my level soon, so this building will improve a little more...

<You must procreate as soon as possible! Your level will only increase if you mate with a monster. Usually, a Devil has more time to develop and is born at about level 50; However, because you were born prematurely, you are only level 5.>>

Oh? So my predecessors are much stronger?

<<Yes. When you are fully mature, your body will appear to be approximately 25 years old. Until then, you will appear to be approximately 15 years old. Although you should have been allowed more time to develop, that is no longer an option.>>

So that's how it is. But, no matter how you look at it, this body looks like that of a teenager. Like this, wouldn't mating be a crime?

<<You are the Devil. Human morals and ethics do not apply to you.>>

System. Even if you sound cute, what you're saying is completely irresponsible.

<< As I understand it, everyone is frightened the first time. What sort of monster would you like to be your first? >>

Pardon? What do you mean?

<< I am referring to your sexual partner. For your first time, you will be able to teleport directly to the location of your desired monster. However, you can only do this once.>>

I see. Well, it would be nice if it were someone gentle.

< Will that be enough? I recommend selecting a partner strong enough to protect you until you mature.>>

That sounds good. So, someone gentle and strong- and handsome, if that's possible. I will die if I have to give my virginity to a slime or an orc.

<<The conditions have suddenly increased! Very well. There are several possible candidates, but I am sure you would prefer your first partner to be somewhat human, yes? Then, the last of the Velluclesis will be satisfactory.>>

Velluclesis? Does a monster truly meet my conditions?

<<This particular species was wiped out by a Hero approximately 400 years ago. However, one managed to survive because he had been sealed away 100 years beforehand. Yes, as your first partner, he will do quite nicely. Currently, he is level 120.>>

Shouldn't the upper limit be level 100? ... Hey, do I have to do this?

<<You have to do this. Now, prepare yourself; in a few moments, you will be sent to the Velluclesis!>>

Fine.

The world went dark as I accepted my faith.

When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a pitch-black cave. As I got used to the darkness, I could see that the rocks were coated with mud and moss.

"Who's there?" A voice rang out sharply. If the System was right, this voice should belong to the only surviving member of that ancient monster species.

"I... I am the Demon King." I said, almost hesitant. The feeling of intimidation emanating from the being before me was immense.

He looked to be about 25, with purple eyes and flowing blue hair. He had a hateful look in his eye, but he was beautiful. Even in the shadows of the cave, I could tell that he was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen.

"The demon king? How arrogant you are." I was sharply scolded.

Hey, hey, System. I thought someone 'gentle' would be easier to talk to.

<< He is, at his core, gentle. However, after being sealed away and sentenced to 500 years of solitude, he has turned his back on the world. Your predecessors too have come by seeking his company but were driven away. >>

Isn't that completely different from what I asked for? Gosh.

<<Perhaps! Regardless, do your best! Now that I have gotten you here, it is up to you how to handle the situation from here on out!>>

System, you!

I breathe out from my nose to calm myself down before speaking, "Your kind has died out, right? I am here to free you."

His dark eyes became even angrier.

No, I can't say it! I can't tell him I came here to give him my virginity.

"If you already know that my people are dead, then leave this place, Devil."

His rejection echoed in the quiet cave.

Something about his words seemed odd, and I got a strange feeling hearing them.

"You're powerful enough to break the seal placed upon you. Why don't you?"

It must've been one of my abilities as the Demon King, but I could see how powerful he was. The magic surrounding him was enough to overpower the seal, which had weakened after 500 years.

"... 400 years ago, I could not save my family. As penance, I must remain here to rot; it is the only way I can atone."

There were scars on his arms from shackles that had long rusted away. 400 years ago, in his people's darkest hour, he must have tried so desperately to break free, but the seal was stronger then, and in the end, he failed.

It seemed as though the death of his family had robbed the light from his eyes, as well.

I guess System was being reasonable when it chose this guy as my partner. Yes, I can give him what he has lost. I wonder if that's what it had in mind.

"Become my subordinate."

"I refuse, demon king."

"I can help you regain your family."

"What are you saying?"

"As you can see, I am weak. I am too powerless to be a proper Demon King. That's why I need someone strong to protect me. I want your power. In return, I will give you what you most desire."

He looks at me with a penetrating gaze. It's almost painful.

"I can give you a family... No, our family."

His dark eyes widened in surprise.

"What..?"

"I exist purely to revive the monster population. If you embrace me, I can give you a child, and together we can make a family."

I'm sure he believed he would never have a family of his own again. I feel a little sorry for him, being stuck with a weak, mediocre person like me, but there's nothing I can do about that now.

"Devil..."

His purple eyes got brighter.

"You... Can you actually? To give me a family... Is what you say true?"

"Oh, 10 children, 20 children... I can give you as many as you desire."

The Vellucelsis took a deep breath and growled before effortlessly breaking the remains of the ancient seal. He then came closer and knelt before me.

"I hereby swear my allegiance to you, my Lord. I will serve you to my last breath."

In this way, I was able to gain my first subordinate.